East Ridge gets police chief

East Ridge gets police chief

East Ridge City Manager Andrew Hyatt has appointed James "J.R." Reed to be the city's police chief, according to a news release.

Reed, who has worked for the city police department for more than 24 years, will take over on Monday, Hyatt's release said.

The city's emergency response structure has been revamped since August, when Public Safety Director Eddie Phillips retired. City leaders decided to separate the fire and police departments and appoint new heads to each.

Veteran East Ridge firefighter Mike Williams was named to head that department in late December.